Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn Christian theology, the concept of access to God is central to understanding the relationship between humanity and the divine. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this access is not inherent but is granted through the process of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible provides numerous passages that illustrate how repenting sinners are granted access to God, emphasizing the transformative power of repentance and the grace of God. Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding access to God through repentance. The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law was a means by which the Israelites could atone for their sins and approach God. Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, a time when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people. This ritual underscores the necessity of purification and repentance to access God's presence. The prophets also called for repentance as a means to restore fellowship with God. In Isaiah 55:6-7 , the prophet urges, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." This passage highlights the mercy of God and His willingness to forgive those who turn from their sinful ways. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of access to God through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection opened the way for sinners to approach God directly. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement affirms that access to God is exclusively through Christ, who mediates between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this access in Romans 5:1-2 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." Here, Paul emphasizes that faith in Christ justifies the believer, granting them peace with God and access to His grace. Repentance as a Prerequisite Repentance is a crucial prerequisite for accessing God. It involves a sincere turning away from sin and a turning toward God. In Acts 3:19 , Peter exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." This call to repentance is a call to experience the refreshing presence of God, made possible through the forgiveness of sins. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates the joy and acceptance that await a repentant sinner. When the wayward son returns to his father, he is welcomed with open arms, symbolizing God's readiness to receive those who repent. This parable underscores the theme of divine grace and the restoration of relationship through repentance. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in facilitating access to God for repenting sinners. The Spirit convicts individuals of their sin, leading them to repentance. In John 16:8 , Jesus explains, "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit's work is essential in drawing sinners to repentance and enabling them to experience the fullness of God's presence. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, providing them with continual access to God. Ephesians 2:18 states, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This access is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship sustained by the Spirit's presence in the believer's life. Conclusion The Bible consistently teaches that access to God is vouchsafed to repenting sinners through the grace of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Repentance is the gateway to this access, facilitated by the convicting and indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Through repentance and faith, sinners are welcomed into a restored relationship with God, experiencing His grace, mercy, and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 14:2Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say to him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joel 2:12 Library C??sarius of Arles. Hymns of Praise and Worship. Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources Does Satan still have access to Heaven? Why does God allow Satan to enter Heaven, as recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is natural revelation? | GotQuestions.org How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven? | GotQuestions.org Access: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Access to God is by the Holy Spirit Access to God: A Privilege of Saints Access to God: Blessedness Connected With Access to God: Follows Upon Reconciliation to God Access to God: Obtained Through Faith Access to God: Promises Connected With Access to God: Saints Earnestly Seek Access to God: Saints Have, With Confidence Access to God: The Wicked Commanded to Seek Access to God: To Obtain Mercy and Grace Access to God: Urge Others to Seek Access to God: Vouchsafed to Repenting Sinners Related Terms |